Ditch the complex config with Couchdrop SFTP

Traditionally, setting up an SFTP required a significant amount of preparation time. Users, permissions, and server details needed to be specified in the config file. This file would then need to be regularly updated when changes were required.

Couchdrop revitalized SFTP setup and management by making it simple, straightforward, and quick to work with. Management and configuration is done through a modern, intuitive, and secure web interface, removing the need for complex server configuration and management typically associated with SFTP servers.

Along with the fast and simple setup, Couchdrop allows you to quickly and easily add and manage users, update permissions, and manage directories on your SFTP server. Couchdrop also has several integrations built in, including SSO support, compatibility with several transfer protocols, and an open API. Couchdrop removes the complexity and makes working with SFTP easy without the need for complex config files.

Fast and simple setup

Setting up an SFTP server is simple with Couchdrop and doesn’t require writing a line of code. This includes specifying and creating a config file. Couchdrop does everything for you in minutes.

Instead, Couchdrop creates your SFTP server when you register as a user at https://my.couchdrop.io/register. Registration asks you to choose a subdomain (subdomain.couchdrop.io), enter an email, then choose a username and password. This information is then used to create your SFTP server and an owner-level user.

And that’s it! Your SFTP server is ready to go, no additional configuration required. Being a SaaS platform, you manage everything from the secure Couchdrop web portal with no need to install anything on your local machine. After you complete registration, Couchdrop launches your new SFTP server on our elastic infrastructure and it is ready to use immediately.

Adding and managing users

Simplicity is the cornerstone of Couchdrop and this principle applies beyond the initial setup. Adding new users is simple and you don’t have to manually update them. Simply navigate to the Administration section and click the Users tab. You’ll be guided to create new user credentials with the point-and-click interface where you can set the Username, Password, root directory, and type of user.

You can also set advanced options and access controls if needed by clicking the appropriate radio button at the top of the configuration panel. There’s no need to open up a command line and specify attributes; the Couchdrop system does this for you and you can add, change, and update users with a few clicks.

Updating permissions

Like with adding users, configuring and updating permissions is done through a secure web portal. To update a user, simply navigate to the Users section and click on a username.

User management and permissions are all managed through the point and click web interface. In the user management screen, you have options for permissions such as Read/Write access, Allowing for use of SFTP/SCP/Rsync, access to the web portal, and more. You can also restrict a user’s access to specific IP addresses for additional security.

When viewing the list of users, you also have the option to view activity logs for each user or send a password reset by clicking the three dots that appear when you hover over a user profile. Updated passwords will reflect immediately upon reset without having to update any config files.

Working with other SFTP servers in Couchdrop

Couchdrop creates a new SFTP server at signup, but what if you already have an existing SFTP server that you need to use as well? Couchdrop can connect to multiple external FTP/SFTP servers, including servers from other Couchdrop accounts.

You can also map a folder to your existing server as a storage integration that you can access within Couchdrop. Instead of dealing with a complex series of config files, you can connect to another SFTP host using the hostname, port, username, and password of the server.

Once you’ve connected, Couchdrop remembers your credentials and you’ll be able to access the contents of the server in Couchdrop, and even transfer files from that server to any other storage you’ve connected right there in the system.

Support for multiple transfer protocols

While the majority of users work primarily with SFTP, there are other transfer protocols available in Couchdrop as well. Like with SFTP, you create required credentials during registration. To find out how to connect to your Couchdrop server through available protocols, simply click the Connect button at the top of the screen when logged in.

After doing this, a window will appear showing how you can connect to your Couchdrop subdomain through different transfer protocols.

Instead of having to create a different configuration for each protocol, all of these are set up automatically based on the information you use during registration. Having all of these options makes Couchdrop versatile and allows a wide variety of external tools to easily connect.

A secure cloud SFTP platform

Couchdrop takes security seriously and our team follows best practices and secure development practices to ensure that management via the web interface is safe and secure. The platform integrates with SSO platforms like Okta, Azure and SAML for easy user management and single sign on functionality.

All communication is done via HTTPS over TLS 1.3 and all changes are audited and logged. The reporting tool tracks all changes including admin and authentication events so you can always know who is logged in at what times and if third parties attempt to log in to your account.

API Access

For further compatibility, API access via our open HTTPS JSON rest API can be used to configure Couchdrop programmatically at scale as well. You can view our API documentation or reach out to support@couchdrop.io for more information.

Ready to move to a simpler/smarter SFTP solution?

Couchdrop takes the hassle out of configuring and managing your SFTP server. Setting up an SFTP server should be simple and straightforward without losing any essential functionality. Couchdrop does this in minutes, without having to write out config files, install software, or manage servers. See how easy setup is and see how Couchdrop can help you by trying Couchdrop free for 14 days today.